NO MORE P&O’S

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: march 2023 :: RMTnews 6 RMT has called on the government to provide a new deal for seafarers after the latest statistics showed a big employment drop in the industry. The union launched a week of action to mark the first anniversary of P&O Ferries unlawful and brutal attack on nearly 600 Ratings’ jobs covered by the RMT collective bargaining. The union’s message was clear that if it can happen at P&O it can happen anywhere and with the government’s latest attack on the right to strike it was clear that the Tories wish to further strengthen the hand of employers and corporations against workers. The union held demonstrations outside Parliament and a rally addressed by politicians including such as Labour Shadow Transport Secretary Louise Haigh MP and RMT national secretary Darren Procter. Protests were also held outside DP World’s head office and in Dover and in Hull addressed by local MP Karl Turner MP, TUC general secretary Paul Novak and others. According to the latest figures, the total number of seafarers employed in the UK shipping industry fell by over 21,000. Overall, the number of Ratings jobs fell by 28 per cent, although there was a small increase in the number of UK Ratings. Figures are provided in large part by the Chamber of Shipping - an employers’ organisation. RMT has continually stated that such stats do not provide a consistent overview about how difficult the situation is for seafarers following the industrial vandalism carried out by P&O, when they sacked almost 800 seafarers without warning. RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said that UK seafarers needed a new deal that puts jobs, good terms and conditions at the heart of the industry, across every sector including ferries, offshore energy and deep-sea work. “There is an unhealthy relationship between shipping bosses and the government that allows a race to the bottom in terms of terms, conditions and super exploitation. “Maritime labour from outside the European Economic Area is being brought in, under flags of convenience where those workers are super-exploited by low wages and appalling working conditions. “The government needs to step in to protect UK Ratings and end exploitation of seafarers from across the world who work in UK waters,” he said. RMT has also written to the Transport Secretary demanding that the government beef up its Seafarers Wages Bill with greater protections for crews NO MORE P&O’S Union calls for a new deal for seafarers as numbers in the industry fell by over 21,000 PROTEST: RMT general secretary Mick Lynch addresses a rally outside Parliament before a meeting inside marked a year on from P&)'s illegal sacking of 800 seafarers and their replacement by cheap agency workers.